Best Mercedes Cars Available in NZ: Buying Guide

Mercedes-Benz is one of the oldest car manufacturers, and the most established of the luxury marques. To that end, it has a vast range catering to all motoring tastes from coupes and convertibles to sports cars and sedans, even hatches. And while the luxurious S-Class is what many aspire to, Mercedes-Benz has a big range of SUVs from the compact GLA and GLB to the best-selling GLC. There is also the mid-sized GLE and the large GLS, the so-called S-Class of SUVs. And there's also the mighty G-Class. Not to forget the EVs from the EQA right up to the EQS in both sedan and SUV form. So as we said, plenty to choose from.

In New Zealand, Mercedes-Benz operates an agency model meaning there are no deals to be struck, rather the price you see is the price you pay. You can also buy online from a range of stock that's on the ground and ready to go or you can also order a brand new car going through all the options to tailor it to your requirements.

Buying a Mercedes-Benz new in New Zealand gives you the benefit of scheduled servicing for three years and an unlimited kilometre warranty for the same period.

As to what's best, that really depends but we think these three should cover most people's bases nicely.

The GLC has been the best selling Mercedes model globally for the past two years and is now in its second generation guise. The new model builds on the strengths of the original while being better equipped with new, more powerful and fuel efficient engines.

The GLC 300 4Matic is $113,900 with a 190kW, 2.0-litre mild hybrid petrol engine. Those wanting more can get the $151,900 AMG 43 version. It too uses a 2.0-litre petrol turbo but makes 310kW of power.

The 300 is more than enough though, its 2.0T producing 400Nm of torque. Fuel consumption is around the 8 to 9L/100km mark, the mild hybrid bits helping ease gas use and aiding smoothness off the line. A nine-speed auto also helps in this regard.

This new GLC is a little larger than the previous model, so there’s a bit more room in the boot (620L in total) and some additional leg room in the rear of this five seater SUV.

With its quality suspension components, this SUV rides and handles in a well balanced manner. It’s not overtly sporty, but manages to round up corners in a tidy fashion and sort the bumps too. AWD also helps, especially in iffy conditions. There’s excellent ride comfort and sound deadening thanks to the acoustic glass.

Step inside and there’s a 12.3-inch LCD driver display as well as the portrait-style, 11.9-inch central touchscreen. There’s also the latest MBUX infotainment system with helpful AI assistance, minimising distractions.

Read the full GLC review

View listings on Trade Me Motors: Mercedes-Benz GLC 300

The latest C-Class enjoys trickle-down cues from the S-Class and is now in its fifth generation. What’s apparent about the new model is its enhanced luxury quotient. It is only available in sedan format in New Zealand but comes with a range of powertrains from the baseline C 200, to the 350 e plug-in hybrid and the AMG models, both of which are four potters. Pricing ranges from just below $100k to $200k for the top AMG.

The 200 and 300 models are mild hybrids for improved torque production and lower emissions. The 300 gets a 2.0-litre four and makes 190kW and 400Nm with consumption around the 8.0L/100km mark.

The C-Class is a better balanced car than its predecessor, riding more assuredly on its renewed suspension. It’s roomier inside too with better legroom and luggage space (455L, accessed by a better opening). The interior is a step up in quality and luxury while the sports seats are superb. There’s plenty of on-board tech, with a large-screen infotainment system that’s easy to drive. C-Class gets every known ‘assist’ safety aid from Mercedes, including 10 airbags, self parking and adaptive cruise.

Read the C-Class review

View listings on Trade Me Motors: Mercedes-Benz C 350 e